Sooners Big 12 quest begins at home

Snake charm ‘em: Former Heisman Trophy candidate Spencer Rattler had all the hype going into the season as the next great Oklahoma play caller. So far this season against three sub-par opponents? Seven touchdowns and two interceptions. The Mountaineers will be the first true test for the Sooner offense.

Continue the pressure: For Oklahoma to once again make it to Jerryworld in September, the Sooner defense will have to harass the quarterback. Through three games, Oklahoma has totaled 13 sacks. If linebacker Nik Bonitto can continue to apply pressure against the Mountaineers, West Virginia could be in for a long day.

Keys for West Virginia

Get the Led out: Senior running back Leddie Brown paced the Mountaineer offense in the upset of No. 15 Virginia Tech last weekend.

If Brown can keep the West Virginia offense balanced and give coach Neal Brown some sustained drives, it will take the air out of the Oklahoma offense.

Bend, don’t break: The key for any squad to have a chance on the road in Norman is to hold Oklahoma to field goals and not touchdowns. If the Mountaineer defense, led by Josh Chandler-Semedo can get the Sooners to put 3s instead of 7s on the scoreboard, West Virginia has a chance at the upset.

Prediction

Oklahoma 40, West Virginia 28

KEVIN JAIRAJ/USA TODAY SPORTS Spencer Rattler hasn’t lived up to Heisman hype this season. He has seven touchdowns and two interceptions in three games this season.